“I am very pleased with our team’s effort,” commented Andrew F. Barth Head Coach of Wrestling Carl Fronhofer. “I look forward to the dual season and helping these guys achieve their individual goals in March.”

Hughes’ stellar tournament concluded with a trip to the finals at 174 pounds against top-seeded Mike Evans from Iowa. Hughes would conclude the Midlands as the runner-up, as Evans, the No. 6 wrestler in the nation, was able to come away with the victory.

Houldsworth went up against Northern Iowa’s Cooper Moore in the fifth-place bout, but fell to the Panther, 8-0. For the tournament, Houldworth competed seven times, posting four victories.

Columbia returns to the East Coast and will be back in action on Friday, Jan. 3 when it travels to Rutgers. The Lions first home match is scheduled for Jan. 10 with Binghamton visiting the University Gym.